Chifley

An assessment of population growth drivers in Chifley reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Chifley's population is approximately 2,698. This figure shows an increase from the 2021 Census count of 2,680 people, reflecting a rise of 18 individuals (0.7%). The population growth can be inferred from ABS estimates: the resident population was 2,698 in June 2024 and there were 44 additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,696 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 85.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as a base. Future population trends indicate an overall decline by 144 persons in Chifley by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow: notably, the 85 and over age group is projected to increase by 35 people during this period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Chifley according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Chifley has seen around 14 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 71 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, there have been 1.7 new residents per year for each dwelling constructed.

However, this has increased to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $272,000. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Chifley has significantly less development activity, at 67.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

New building activity consists of 60.0% standalone homes and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points. With around 365 people per dwelling approval, Chifley shows a developed market. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Chifley has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Woden Town Square Precinct Redevelopment, Woden Experiment Stage 2 - Public Realm & Active Travel Upgrades, Ivy by Morris (Section 54 Phillip), and Skye by Trilogy (Section 117 Phillip). The following list details those most pertinent.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Chifley exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Chifley has an educated workforce with high representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% as of September 2025, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%, compared to ACT's 1.4%. In Chifley, 1,548 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate similar to ACT's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Education & training is under-represented in Chifley, with only 7.3% of its workforce compared to ACT's 9.6%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 1.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% with a smaller reduction in unemployment rate. As of 25-Nov-25, ACT's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chifley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The median income among taxpayers in Chifley SA2 is $64,273 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. The average income stands at $80,270 during this period. This compares with figures for the Australian Capital Territory of $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $73,014 (median) and $91,187 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Chifley rank between the 85th and 90th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that 30.8% of residents fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket (830 people), mirroring the region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 38.1%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the area. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income while earnings rank residents within the 86th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Chifley displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Chifley, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings. This compares to Australian Capital Territory's 58.4% houses and 41.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chifley was at 32.3%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory figure, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented dwellings at 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,383, above the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Chifley was recorded at $450, compared to the Australian Capital Territory figure of $440. Nationally, Chifley's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chifley features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 64.2% of all households, consisting of 28.1% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 30.7% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

The educational profile of Chifley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Chifley's educational attainment is notably high, with 52.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA4 region's 46.8%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.5%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational pathways account for 22.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 12.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.9% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Chifley has ten active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by two routes, offering 171 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living 223 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across both routes, which equates to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Chifley is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Chifley demonstrates a low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts, with private health cover at approximately 60% (1,613 people), compared to 68.1% in Australian Capital Territory. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.6% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.6%.

A total of 70.7% of residents declare no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 70.1% across Australian Capital Territory. In Chifley, 16.0% (430 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, similar to those of the general population.

Chifley was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chifley's population, born overseas, stood at 30.9%, significantly higher than most local markets. Among residents, 26.5% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Chifley, with 40.0% of people identifying as Christian.

Hinduism showed notable overrepresentation, comprising 8.1% of Chifley's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 6.6%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (23.6%), Australian (20.8%), and Other (14.3%). Among other ethnic groups, Spanish was overrepresented at 0.8% in Chifley versus 0.5% regionally, Serbian at 0.7% compared to 0.4%, and Croatian at 0.9% against a regional average of 0.8%.

Chifley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chifley's median age is 37 years, slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38. The 35-44 age group makes up 16.8% of Chifley's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.2% to 16.8%, whereas the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Chifley. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 23 people (40%) from 60 to 84. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.